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St Patrick took bribes from his converts

ST PATRICK was warned by church authorities to stop accepting bribes from wealthy women he converted, according to a new book.

The patron saint of Ireland was told he was bringing dishonour on the church through his dodgy dealings at the altar, ancient writings discovered during research for a medieval history book reveal.

Rob Vance, the author of Secret Sights II — Unknown Medieval Ireland, says the saint, who came to Ireland as a slave in the 5th century and eventually converted the country to Christianity, was reprimanded by the church and told to stop accepting expensive trinkets.

“He was essentially accused of taking bribes,” said Vance. “He would convert the women using stories of Jesus Christ and they would come back and leave jewels on the altar for him.

“Early Christianity guaranteed eternal life and women offered the church gifts. It was implied in the text at the time that